Is It Bad to Transfer Colleges?

If you don’t like where you are currently studying, you probably have a few reasons to transfer colleges but could be hesitating because you’re worried about how it will look when you graduate.

Many people transfer, but not everyone knows the impact it may have on their future. It’s a good idea to educate yourself about the implications of transferring.

With this information, you’ll be able to decide whether moving to another school is right for you.

Think About Timing

If you’re not a fan of your college, you may be asking, “When can I transfer colleges?” The good news is that you can usually start the transfer process fairly quickly.

While you may be stuck at your current school until the end of the semester, you can start researching other options by using a tool like My College Guide. In some cases, you can even transfer after one semester, although some colleges won’t accept you until you’re a junior (but this is rare).

Generally, the only time you can’t transfer is in the middle of a semester because admission offices often only accept students at the beginning of each term. If you want to take a break from school before you transfer, you can try taking a leave of absence at your current school while you apply to new ones.

When Should You Transfer?

If you’re at a community college, the best time to transfer colleges is typically when you’ve completed your program. Otherwise, the best time is typically after you’ve finished 2 years.

Finishing 2 years of school allows you to get your prerequisites out of the way and jump straight into your chosen curriculum. That being said, universities have varying transfer policies, and you may be able to apply after even a single semester if needed.

What Are the Risks of Transferring?

Usually, the only way transferring can hurt you is if your credits aren’t accepted at your new college. For many people, switching schools is a positive move for their education and future careers.

Benefits of Transferring Schools

Here are just a few of the benefits you may experience when you transfer to another college or university:

Take Classes From Home

If you’re transferring from a brick-and-mortar school to one with online programs, you may be able to complete your degree from home.

This is often convenient for students with children, students who don’t have transportation, or students looking to save money.

Get Into Your Dream School

Sometimes, colleges have lower admissions requirements for transfers than they do for incoming freshmen. This means you may be able to get into your dream school, even if you were rejected when you were in high school.

Better Programs

Certain colleges may have programs with better reputations than the school you’re currently enrolled in. If that’s the case, transferring to one of those schools could better prepare you for a job after you graduate.

Transferring Colleges

Transferring schools can be scary, but it’s not a bad thing. It offers you another chance to find the perfect fit for your academic, social, and financial needs!

If you’re ready to transfer and need to find the right online school, we’re here to help. At My College Guide, we can show you different programs at every degree level, and we’ll help you compare them so you can find the one that works best for you.

You can use our tools today to discover your new college!